L06: Visual Balance – Above Green

(1 point)

INTENT

Create lighting environments that enhance visual comfort.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to develop and implement strategies that take into account the light sources used in a space and create a visually comfortable lighting environment.

ISSUE

A lighting environment may utilize different kinds of light sources, including daylighting and different types of electric lighting technology. Lighting is planned across spaces to achieve the required ambience and energy efficiency goals. However, fluctuating light levels impact the visual comfort of occupants and could lead to eye fatigue. Sudden increases and decreases in brightness can cause a high level of visual discomfort. Constant changes in lighting have been linked to distraction from the task at hand which can decrease productivity and impact well-being.

SOLUTIONS

Development of a lighting layout and operations schedule to complement the lighting design in a space is key to increasing the comfort of users. Evidence suggests that thoughtful planning of lighting in a space that takes into account color temperature, daylight and electric light supports a visually comfortable lighting environment. Consideration of the ages of users, tasks performed and existing physical features in the space are also integral to creating a productive space.

IMPACT

The development of an efficient and optimized lighting layout has an impact on the visual comfort and productivity of individuals. A lighting schedule contributes to the visual comfort of individuals and also to the perception of comfort in a space.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Manage Brightness (1 point)

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces

At least four of the following requirements are met in all regularly occupied spaces:

Main rooms do not exhibit 10 times greater or lesser luminance than an ancillary space. This is to avoid substantial changes in light levels as occupants move from one space to another.
Surfaces do not exhibit 3 times greater or lesser luminance than an adjacent surface. This is to avoid substantial changes in light levels as occupants look around their immediate area.
Surfaces do not exhibit 10 times greater or lesser luminance than another remote surface in the same room. This is to avoid substantial changes in light levels as occupants look around the room.
Changes in light levels to 1.5 times higher or lower than initial light levels are carried out over the span of at least 30 minutes in steps or with a smooth transition. Timing considerations in the rate of change of light levels or spectrum diminish abrupt or disruptive lighting transitions.
Uniformity of at least 0.4 is achieved on work planes. Exclude supplemental lighting from calculations.
One section of the ceiling does not exhibit 10 times greater or lesser luminance than another section of the ceiling in the same room. Distribution of light across ceilings in a given room that maintains lighting variety but avoids both dark spots and bright spots.